In a shocking incident from Banda district, an 18-year-old woman allegedly killed her 50-year-old neighbour in what she claims was an act of self-defence against a brutal rape attempt. The event unfolded on Thursday afternoon in a village under the Baberu police circle, sending ripples through the local community.
The Afternoon Attack and Fatal Resistance
The victim, identified as Sukhram Prajapati, a farmer from the same community, allegedly entered the woman's house around 3:30 PM on Thursday. Finding her alone, he seized the opportunity and attempted to sexually assault her. In a desperate bid to protect herself, the young woman fought back fiercely.
Police reports state that she grabbed an axe that was kept in the house and struck Sukhram on the forehead. The blow was so powerful that it caused both his eyes to pop out and made him fall. Not stopping there, and likely in a state of extreme panic and trauma, she then beat him to death with a stick.
Surrender and Conflicting Narratives
Following the fatal altercation, the woman displayed remarkable composure. She went to the Baberu police station herself, carrying the murder weapon, and confessed to the killing. Police have taken her into custody and are interrogating her. During questioning, she maintained that she killed Sukhram while resisting his attempt to rape her.
However, a contrasting claim has emerged from the deceased's family. Sukhram's wife has alleged that the accused woman lured her husband to her house under the pretext of serving him tea and snacks, and then killed him. Baberu Station Officer Rajendra Singh Rajawat stated that they are waiting for a formal complaint from the deceased's family, which has not been received yet.
Police Investigation and Scene Findings
A senior police team, including Baberu Circle Officer Saurabh Singh and Station Officer Rajendra Singh Rajawat, rushed to the crime scene along with a forensic unit. The body of Sukhram Prajapati was found in a semi-naked state inside the woman's house. The forensic team has collected crucial evidence from the spot.
The murder weapon, the axe and stick, have been recovered by the police. The body has been sent for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death and corroborate the sequence of events. The investigation is ongoing, with police piecing together the facts from both sides of the story.
This tragic incident highlights the extreme dangers women can face and the desperate measures they might resort to when cornered. The case raises complex questions about self-defence, proportionality of force, and the need for thorough investigation to ascertain the complete truth.
